A Holden-built people-mover concept is one of the stars of General Motor?s Beijing motor show stand.

Holden's electric concept car

The Volt MPV5 is a crossover version of the US car maker’s Volt electric car, and was penned originally by GM designers in North America, before being built in the Holden design studio in Port Melbourne.

Called the Volt MPV5, the five-seat multi-purpose vehicle shares the same ‘‘Voltec’’ electric propulsion system found in the Chevrolet Volt, including an engine generator for extended range to address ‘‘range anxiety’’.

A 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack is good for regular speed and acceleration requirements to a range of up to 51 kilometres on electric propulsion — or double what an average urban commuter in China travels each day, says GM. When the battery is depleted, a 1.4-litre petrol engine kicks in to sustain the battery charge and provide up to 482 kilometres of electric propulsion.

In Australia, where the regular Volt sedan will be sold as a Holden from 2012, the batteries can be fully recharged in three to four hours on our regular household 240-volt electricity. That’s half the time as the US, with its 110-volt power.

MPV

‘‘We’re really interested at looking at new models with this technology if and when they come into production,’’ says company spokesman Jonathan Rose.

Despite its somewhat slabby proportions, GM says the MPV5’s styling borrows familiar design cues from the Volt, with aerodynamics having played a crucial role to maximise driving range.

A closed front grille and lower air dam, a full underbody bellypan and creased tail-lights also help the concept cut through the wind. Other exterior highlights include a ‘‘Sonic Blue’’ metallic paint and dual skylight panels, while 19-inch alloy wheels, again from the Volt, add a sporty appearance and ‘‘street cred’’.

While the 2760 millimetres wheelbase of the MPV5 concept is a mere 15 millimetres longer than the Chevrolet Volt, its body is 181millimetres longer (4585 millimetres), 73millimetres wider (1871 millimetres) and 182 millimetres taller (1612 millimetres) for added passenger and storage room.

Inside, the MPV5 has 1764 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded or 863 litres when up. The dash and instrumentation and two-tone leather seats have been carried over from the Volt.